For several years, residential real estate markets across the country were relatively similar except for a few pockets of extreme price increases in the west and a few areas of slower post-recession recovery in the east. Regional market diversion is becoming more common. Natural disasters play a part, as do factors such as the proclivities and incomes of a younger buyer pool.

Market trends have remained steady for the last couple of years, which has allowed residential real estate to flourish in terms of sales activity and buyer demand. Even when total sales are not measuring forward in year-over-year comparisons, it is evident that the market is responding positively to wider economic indicators. Higher prices, fewer days on market and lower months of supply are all usual indicators of healthy activity.

Conversationally speaking, it has been a busy and exciting summer for residential real estate. Much has been said about low supply, higher prices and speedy sales, but the truth of the matter is that buyers are snatching up desirable homes no matter the trends. Good transactions are occurring with smart lending practices. Although more inventory would be useful, the market is finding a way to succeed.

With each passing August day, fewer households with school-aged children are willing to embark upon a big move for fear of unsettling kids from the important routines that lay the groundwork for a good education. But savvy sellers and buyers know that there are good deals to be made in August and well into the school months, as household formations take on many shapes and sizes.